Emporia, KS Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Emporia Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Emporia, KS is a small but growing short-term rental market with 46 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $278 — well above the Kansas state average of $174. However, occupancy sits at just 20%, significantly below the state benchmark of 30%, which tempers overall revenue potential. With average annual revenue of $22,746 and average home values around $317,274, the market offers an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, though investors will need to be strategic about property selection and pricing to generate consistent returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Emporia short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Emporia

Emporia's above-average revenue-to-price ratio draws investor attention, though below-average occupancy and rapid supply growth demand careful deal sourcing and operational discipline.

Expert Market Assessment

"Emporia presents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing matters more than in higher-occupancy markets. The spring months of April and May are clear revenue drivers — April alone averages $4,165 — while winter months like February bottom out near $549, creating significant seasonal variance. With occupancy stability rated below average and rapid year-over-year listing growth at 117%, the supply side is expanding faster than demand has caught up. Investors who can secure properties at favorable price points and optimize for peak-season capture stand the best chance of generating meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Emporia

Average revenue by month in Emporia

Emporia's revenue curve is highly seasonal, peaking sharply in April at $4,165 and May at $3,531 before tapering through summer and bottoming out in February at just $549. The nearly 8x spread between peak and trough months signals that investors must plan for substantial cash-flow variability and optimize pricing aggressively during the spring window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Emporia

Two-bedroom properties dominate Emporia's supply with 15 listings, closely followed by 3-bedrooms at 13, while 4-bedroom homes remain the scarcest at just 5 listings. The limited 4-bedroom inventory could represent a niche opportunity given those units command the highest nightly rates and annual revenue.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Emporia

ADR in Emporia scales aggressively with size, jumping from $137 for 1-bedroom units to $427 for 4-bedroom properties — more than a 3x increase. The steepest rate jump occurs between 2-bedrooms ($176) and 3-bedrooms ($297), suggesting that the premium guests pay for extra space becomes most pronounced at the mid-to-large property tier.

Average RevPAN by property size in Emporia

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $72, edging out 4-bedrooms at $67 despite the latter's higher ADR, largely because 3-bedrooms maintain better occupancy. One-bedroom units lag considerably at $17 RevPAN, making them the least efficient earners on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Emporia

Occupancy is relatively flat across 2- and 3-bedroom listings at 24% each, while 1-bedrooms trail at just 13% and 4-bedrooms sit at 16%. The weak occupancy across all sizes underscores the market's demand constraints, but mid-sized properties clearly offer the most consistent booking activity.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Emporia

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $831 for 1-bedroom units to $2,427 for 4-bedroom homes. The gap between 3-bedrooms ($1,922) and 4-bedrooms ($2,427) represents a $505 monthly premium, which investors should weigh against the higher acquisition and operating costs of larger properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Emporia

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $29,134, followed by 3-bedrooms at $23,067, while 1-bedroom listings generate just $9,978 — less than a third of the top tier. For investors seeking the best return potential relative to Emporia's $317,274 average home value, larger properties offer a more compelling revenue-to-price proposition.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Emporia

Parking (98%) and a full kitchen (96%) are essentially table stakes in Emporia, reflecting a market oriented toward drive-in guests who expect home-like essentials. Washer/dryer availability at 85% and self check-in at 70% round out the must-haves, while differentiators like pet-friendliness (22%) and pools (9%) remain relatively uncommon and could help listings stand out.

Understanding Emporia's ROI Score: 45/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Emporia's ROI Score of 45 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting a market where favorable pricing dynamics coexist with operational challenges. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is the market's standout strength, but below-average occupancy stability tempers the overall score, while market growth and supply/demand balance both track at average levels. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic assessment of seasonal demand patterns before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Emporia

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Emporia. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Emporia, Kansas may be required to obtain a business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Emporia and Lyon County authorities before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Kansas municipalities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so prospective investors should review any applicable deed restrictions or neighborhood association rules alongside city and county regulations.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Kansas are typically subject to state and local sales tax, as well as any applicable transient guest or occupancy taxes. Major booking platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Emporia can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Emporia's STR market is expected to remain competitive as supply has grown 117% year-over-year, which could put additional pressure on occupancy rates already sitting below the state average. Seasonal demand peaks sharply in April and May, suggesting event-driven or spring travel patterns that savvy operators can capitalize on. ADR may hold steady or see modest increases of 1–3% given the market's pricing premium, but occupancy stabilization will be the key metric to watch. Investors who enter now should plan for pronounced seasonality and budget for softer winter months when revenue can dip below $600."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Emporia, KS

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Emporia?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Emporia is currently 20%, which trails the Kansas state average of 30%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units performing best at 24% each, while 1-bedroom listings average just 13%. Investors should factor this lower occupancy into revenue projections and consider strategies like competitive pricing and seasonal adjustments to improve fill rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Emporia?

Airbnb hosts in Emporia earn an average of $1,895 per month, which works out to approximately $22,746 annually based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $9,978 per year, while 4-bedroom properties lead at roughly $29,134 annually. Seasonal swings are significant, with April being the strongest month at $4,165 in average revenue and February the weakest at $549.

Is Emporia a good market for Airbnb investment?

Emporia carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 45 out of 100, classified as a Competitive Opportunity. The market's strength lies in its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a daily rate of $278 that well exceeds the state average. However, below-average occupancy stability and a 117% year-over-year increase in active listings mean investors need to be selective about property acquisition and pricing strategy. Well-managed properties in the 3- to 4-bedroom range tend to generate the most compelling returns.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Emporia?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Emporia is $278, which is roughly 60% higher than the Kansas state average of $174. ADR scales substantially with property size: 1-bedroom units average $137 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $176, 3-bedrooms at $297, and 4-bedroom properties command $427 per night. This pricing premium suggests guests are willing to pay above-market rates, particularly for larger properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Emporia?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Emporia, Kansas, though operators may need to obtain local permits or business licenses and comply with applicable zoning rules. Regulations can change, so investors should verify current requirements with the City of Emporia and Lyon County before purchasing or listing a property. It's also wise to check for any HOA restrictions that could affect STR operations.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Emporia?

Peak season in Emporia runs primarily through April and May, when average monthly revenue reaches $4,165 and $3,531 respectively. June also performs well at $2,398. The slowest months are January and February, with revenue dropping to $744 and $549. This pronounced seasonality means operators should plan cash reserves for the winter months and maximize pricing and availability during the spring peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Emporia?

As of April 2026, there are 46 active Airbnb listings in Emporia. The market has seen significant growth, with a 117% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 15 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms at 13, 1-bedrooms at 8, and 4-bedrooms at 5. The relatively small total supply means individual properties can still capture meaningful market share.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Emporia?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Emporia are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while still reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Emporia, KS market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change — always verify with municipal authorities before investing.